Various backpack drives get Broward youth back to school

The economy is getting back on its feet, and the unemployment rate is declining in South Florida, but that hasn't had much of an effect on the number of children in the community who cannot afford back-to-school supplies.

Several nonprofit organizations, businesses and a city are busy organizing back-to-school supply drives. Many of the initiatives are targeted at specific sections of the community, with the only common thread being need.

Among the organizations that are trying to lighten the load on low-income parents with children in schools are the Children's Services Council of Broward County, United Way of Broward County, The Pantry of Broward, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward, Children's Home Society of Florida, the YMCA, Hope Outreach Center, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and LifeNet4Families. Coral Springs' initiative will benefit school children attending schools within the city, while Tools for Schools Broward, an initiative of Broward Education Foundation, will provide teachers at Title 1 schools with free school supplies.

The biggest initiative is that of the Children's Services Council of Broward County (CSCB). The organization, which has tied up with community partners such as Neighbors 4 Neighbors, is collecting supplies for children, including those living in foster care and shelters.

"There is a big need out there," said Katrina Louis, CSCB multi media specialist. "We are looking to outfit about 5,500 children who have been pre-selected by school social workers."

The aim is to address students who are living in unstable conditions, said Louis. "Our aim is to address the population that falls through the cracks. We will provide shoes, backpacks and supplies. We rely on partners such as Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Broward County Public Schools and on donations from the public."

The success of its inaugural backpack drive last year has spurred United Way to do more this year. The organization will distribute 200 backpacks to children of veterans; the backpack drive is open to all veterans and their children who get a voucher from the Social Work Office.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with the Department of Veteran Affairs to help military families prepare their children for the upcoming school year," said Kathleen Cannon, president & CEO of United Way of Broward County. "Through our combined efforts, we hope to supply as many children as possible with the materials and tools they need to start the school year off right."

Lauderhill-based LifeNet4Families is collecting school supplies to help people who benefit from their food pantry program. The organization has about 4,000 families and about 2,500 children in the program.

"This is our eighth year; we are looking to outfit about 700 kids with backpacks," said Frank Fernandez, executive development officer at LifeNet4Families. "We have seen a 20-percent increase in demand for food since the recession. The economy may be improving, but it will take some time before the impact trickles down to the neediest."

"If you are from paycheck to paycheck, it is hard to find money to buy school supplies," said Lisa Frederick, director of administration and programs at LifeNet4Families. "We want to serve as many children and families as we can."

"Through the help of city staff, volunteers and the community, we can give these children the supplies they need to be properly prepared for the school year," Sanecki said. "We are getting plenty of support from the community. The Melting Pot and Big Bear Brewing Company are collecting backpacks to support our initiative. I hope other businesses will also help us out."

The focus of the Pantry of Broward's "Operation Backpack" is on helping grandparents in the county who are raising their grandchildren. "We are helping 140 kids, ranging from preschoolers to high school children," said Trudy Love, organization director of development. "Every dollar that a grandparent doesn't have to spend on school supplies is a dollar they can spend on essential items."